William Randolph Hearst

Occupation: New York House of Representatives Member
Newspaper Publisher and Newspaper Magnate

Position on the Issue: It is my job, as being part of the press, to inform the masses. Who am I to deny them of letting them read what they want to read? The people want to hear that their country is saving people from tyrannic monsters and gaining land. The people want to read about a woman being saved from a Cuban prison. These are the stories that keep the papers flying off the shelves. Sure some of those foreigners may not love our coming in and changing their culture, but I've got a publishing empire to build.

Reasons for Interest in Topic:

I have boasted that it cost me $3 million to start the Spanish-American War, where America first dipped its toes in the imperialism scene. I say this because I am responsible for stirring up controversy over the explosion of the USS Maine and how it actually happened. I can't control what the people think, but I won't deny I have some influence. The people wanted war in response to this tragedy. Once again, I brought the American people to my side when I chronicled the story of a poor Cuban who was imprisoned by the awful Spanish officers for not giving up her virtue. As long as you're inside the heads of the people like I am, you'll be able to move the country forward, towards an ever growing American Empire.


Sources:
Baker, John. "The Press and Spanish-American Relations in 1898." Humboldt State University. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. <http://www.humboldt.edu/~jcb10/spanwar.shtml#anchor343118>.
Kennedy, David M., and Thomas A. Bailey. American Spirit: U.s. History as Seen by Comtemporaries;. 9th ed. Vol. 2. Belmont: Wadsworth, 2009. Print.

Shaw, Albert. "The Blowing Up of the Maine." Annals of American History. 29. MAr. 2010. <http://america.eb.com/america/article?articleld=386520&query=William+Hearst>